Thanks for reading my blog! This is the second of five posts in a series based on my book Pursuing Uncomfortable: Lean In and Overcome, which will be out before the end of the year. (Squeal!!!) CLICK HERE to join the waitlist.

Let’s talk about growth—the kind that challenges you, stretches you, and yes, makes you uncomfortable. Here’s the truth: we all want to grow, but we don’t always want to do the work that comes with it.

If we want something different in our lives, we have to do something different. Doing what we’ve always done simply gives us what we’ve always gotten. Growth demands more. It asks us to confront our fears, challenge our assumptions, and step out of our comfort zones. And let’s be honest—that’s hard. That’s why we often avoid it, preferring the safety of the familiar.

But avoiding growth comes at a cost—it keeps us stuck, unable to reach our full potential.

Why is growth so hard? Because it forces us to face the unknown. It often means dismantling what feels safe or predictable and stepping into a space where we might fail or struggle. Let’s face it—it’s easier to stay where we’re comfortable. But comfort has a cost. It keeps us small when we’re meant to grow.

I remember a time when I avoided growth. I was at a work conference I didn’t want to attend. I walked in with the attitude that it was going to be a waste of time and did little to participate. Actually, I did my best to avoid engaging at all.

Let me tell you—I adopted my 'I will not learn from you' mindset. You know the one? It’s the same mindset I perfected during the peak of my teenage angst. I resisted both the presenter and the material because it felt too unfamiliar, too demanding.

The presenter was offering an entirely new worldview—one that challenged how I understood ministry, relationships, and even life itself. Eventually, I let my guard down. As I began to see the wisdom and value in what he shared, I realized just how much I stood to gain.

Looking back, I now understand my resistance. I knew deep down that if I engaged with this material, it would require energy, effort, and a willingness to change the way I approached my relationships and work. That fear of discomfort almost kept me from learning something that has profoundly shaped my life for the past 25 years.

Here’s what I learned: The things that hold us back—fear, insecurity, or even perfectionism—are just stories we tell ourselves. Stories like 'I can’t handle this,' or 'This is too hard.' But the good news? Those stories can be rewritten. We can choose a new narrative—one that leads to growth and possibility.

So, here’s a small step to try this week: Identify one fear or assumption that’s keeping you from growing. Write it down, and then reframe it. Instead of saying, 'I’m not ready,' try saying, 'I’m learning as I go.' Instead of asking, 'What if I fail?' try asking, 'What if I grow?'

This one small mindset shift can open doors you never knew existed. Growth doesn’t happen all at once—it’s a process, and every small step counts.

If this resonates with you, I dive deeper into these ideas in my book Pursuing Uncomfortable: Lean In and Overcome. You’ll find practical, actionable steps to embrace growth and create meaningful change in your life.

Also, check out my blog for more reflections on why growth matters. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and join me for my next video, where we’ll talk about how comfort can become a cage. Remember—the work is hard, but the reward is worth it. See you soon!